Ossett Albion 2 - Garforth Town 1

Garforth could not do the double in Ossett this week, as a fine victory over NPL side Town was followed by a subsequent slip up to Albion in the league. A cold wind precluded effective high passes and affected play, and the Miner’s were unable to overcome neither the elements nor a home side who regained the lead immediately after Lee Connor’s equaliser.

Ossett earned two early corners, both of which showed the dangers of playing against the strong wind. Gibbons produced a good save in the 7th; palming the Ossett playmaker’s shot wide of his near post. Town tried to respond with balls played up the right channel, but the wind scuppered many of these attacks. The first moment of real penetrative play came from Garforth midfielder Duncan Williams, who claimed the ball on halfway and curled a swerving through ball for Andy Hayward, though the veteran goalscorer of mid-week could not latch onto it in time.

Moments later, indecision and the elements helped Albion take the lead. Ossett’s left fullback laid off Jason Bentley, who was allowed to approach the Garforth box before unleashing. The wind did the rest.

Undeterred, Town replied with more work from the right flank involving Rowan, Duncan and George Williams, Wayne Harratt and Dom Blair but to no avail. Balls played high into the Ossett area served only to highlight Neil Bennett’s adeptness as a forceful goalkeeper, showing us ‘The Superman Punch’ several times when denying the visiting attackers.

Brett Renshaw burst into the box from the right but was clearly brought down. Despite this, only a corner was awarded despite the Albion defender having never touched the ball.

The second half saw the sides nullify each other initially, and it was not until the 58th minute that a clear-cut chance was created. It would be Ossett who fluffed the one on one with Gibbons.

On 70, Carl Fox tried a lobbed effort from distance that Bennett was equal to. Only minutes later, Town earned corner after a period of pressure, and Lee Connor rose to toweringly convert the cross and regain parity for the visitors. Alas, only a hundred seconds elapsed before Town conceded a soft goal to Joseph Thornton, and the advantage was blown.

While the rest of the game belonged to Garforth, the points belonged to Ossett, whose sporting performance in the final fifteen resembled Eubank protecting a points lead in the 12th round. Bryce showed some dexterity on the left before cutting in and chipping Harratt through, though the big Barnsley man could not connect with his swivel and shot. Another saved shot led to a corner that Lee met once more, but this time a perceptive defender was able to clear from the goal line. Connor again met a corner minutes later, though the veteran centre back could only fire his header just over. Substitute Graham Marchant tried his luck with a shot on 88 following a midfield interchange with Bryce in what would be Garforth’s penultimate chance. Finally, when Renshaw’s header from yet another corner was cleared from the goal line in stoppage time, it was clear that Ossett would be a town of mixed fortunes for the Miner’s this week, who will look to rebuild at home next Saturday against Rossendale United.